By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Celena Davis from Jamaica

The world welcomed 2018 with a slight sense of relief. Tensions dominated the Korean Peninsula in 2017 as a result of the numerous missile tests carried out by the North Korean regime. The new year did not appear to be off to a good start when Kim Jong Un delivered his New Year's speech. However, in February North Korea seemed to soften its approach. Beginning by sending North Korean athletes to the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Korea. The world watched as these athletes marched under a unified Korean flag, an unprecedented show of unity. It was a glimmer of hope.

The surprises did not end there. During the Winter Olympics, Kim Jong Un appeared to offer an olive branch. The leader of North Korea invited the South to engage in inter-Korea talks, the first since 2007. The summit is set to take place on April 27 at the Peace House in Panmunjeom on the southern side of the border. These talks are a good opportunity for the two Koreas to talk without the involvement of foreign powers. All eyes will be on this meeting, as these talks could signal a positive change in inter-Korean relations and ease tensions on the peninsula.

Some will see the upcoming summit as progress and a much needed positive change while others remain suspicious of North Korea’s intentions.

Regardless of the North’s intentions, these talks are important for a number of reasons. Firstly, an open channel of communications will help to avoid misunderstandings, which may otherwise lead to devastating consequences. Secondly, if the North is talking they are not testing missiles, a good outcome for all. Finally, the outcome of these talks will set a precedent for the planned U.S.-North Korea talks. Successful talks will demonstrate to the Trump administration that diplomacy does work and that a willingness to talk is the way forward.

The upcoming talks offer hope that North Korea will choose words not missiles.

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.